An Acoustic Evening with Rick Springfield and Richard Marx was a night of timeless music at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
Rick Springfield and Richard Marx during ‘An Acoustic Evening with Rick Springfield and Richard Marx’ at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
On Friday, November 15, 2024, a evening with ’80s heartthrobs Rick Springfield and Richard Marx at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts left the audience awestruck with “An Acoustic Evening with Rick Springfield and Richard Marx“. The two music legends, both in their golden and diamond eras brimming with the energy and passion 20-somethings, treated the packed house to a two-hour acoustic set that left fans with humor, amusement and deeply moving personal stories.
The night began with Springfield and Marx taking the stage together, offering a stripped-back rendition of their classic hits, a treat for fans who had never seen them perform without the gloss of electric guitars or elaborate production. The two longtime friends of nearly four decades, were in peak form. From the moment the first notes rang out, the crowd was transported back to the glory days of the ’80s and ’90s, each song evoking powerful memories of their youth.
Marx, a multi-platinum artist with over 30 million records sold worldwide, with his is soulful voice, as smooth as ever, filled the venue as he effortlessly moved through his catalog of hits and his sarcastic wit. His performance of “When You Love” during his during his solo set stood out as a he shared the story of re-recording it with his three sons—whom he affectionately referred to as “The Marx Brothers”—was particularly special. In a touching and unconventional move, Marx performed the song live, with his sons appearing via a pre-recorded video that captured them accompanying their father in real-time. The blend of their harmonies on the song added a new layer of performance art.
Other notable songs in Marx’s set included “Right Here Waiting” and “Hazard,” each one met with a round of applause as the audience sang along.
Springfield, also a Grammy-winning artist, known for his rock anthems like “Jessie’s Girl”, “Love Somebody” and “Affair of the Heart,” stripped his hits down to their emotional core, leaving fans in awe of his vulnerability when it came to his solo as he performed “My Father’s Chair,” a song he wrote three years after the passing of his father in the early ‘80s. The intimate rendition, accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, was a deeply personal tribute that resonated with the audience. Many were visibly moved, some wiping away tears as Springfield sang about loss and the passing of time.
As the evening wore on, Springfield and Marx union onstage blended both their hits and shared experiences. The duo’s chemistry was undeniable as they exchanged stories and joked between songs, creating an atmosphere that felt like an evening with old friends. During the performance of “Human Touch,” both artists came down from the stage to interact with the audience, high-fiving and hugging fans in a heartwarming display of appreciation. The crowd went wild, and the connection between performer and audience was electric.
The night was a perfect balance of nostalgia, humor, and raw emotion. Springfield and Marx’s mutual respect for one another and their shared love for their fans was evident throughout the entire show. Their ability to connect with the audience in such a personal way, combined with their impressive musical talents, made this a truly unforgettable experience.
For anyone who grew up listening to these icons, “An Acoustic Evening with Rick Springfield and Richard Marx” was a rare and treasured opportunity to see two legends delivering their music with honesty and heart. If you ever get the chance to see them perform together, don’t hesitate—this was a night that will stay with you long after the final note fades.
To find out about more upcoming shows at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts visit their calendar of events at: https://ccpa.cerritos.gov/upcoming-events/.
Summary
Rick Springfield and Richard Marx perfectly pieced a precious acoustic set at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, wishing for a second night of their amazing performance.
